Northwestern was 6-7 a year ago. This won't be an easy one, but by no means overwhelming. I think we can label it a tossup game, especially early in the season when things are brand new for everyone.

It reminds of last year when Syracuse started with an ACC opponent in Wake Forest. Having a BCS (can I still use that term?) game right off the top tends to grab attention and keep things focused during camp.

The "overwhelming" part comes the next week on September 8 when you can pretty much write in a loss against USC at Metlife Stadium in pen right now.

On Sept 15, comes your only "break" on the schedule in a matchup with FCS-level opponent, Stony Brook, at the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse obviously has to win this game, but for what it's worth, Stony Brook went 9-3 last season and has won their league three years in a row and...*cliche alert*...this game will be their "Super Bowl" as they will be looking to make some noise and knock off an FBS team.

Syracuse hits the road to Minnesota on September 22. Minnesota is being picked to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten in preseason polls. Still, going on the road to face a Big Ten opponent (who will be playing a third home game in a row at this point) early in the year is an above-average test for Syracuse who can't "expect" to beat anyone coming off the season they just did.

After a break on September 29, Syracuse starts league play with Pittsburgh on Friday, October 5.

We all saw last year what can happen on a Friday night at the Carrier Dome as Syracuse pulled off a stunning upset over West Virginia. The atmosphere and fan support (45,000 plus) were absolutely factors in that win over WVU.

If Syracuse is 3-1 entering this game, the crowd should be a good one and should give Syracuse an edge over Pittsburgh to secure a much-needed conference win at home and to gain some momentum.

That is important, because we all saw what happened after that win over WVU last season.

Syracuse didn't win another game.

Learning to handle the different atmosphere and energy (especially if you win) that comes with a Friday night game is crucial for Syracuse. Not only to learn the lessons from a season ago, but also because they have another one right on top of the October 5 game vs Pitt.

After a trip to Rutgers on October 13, UConn visits the Carrier Dome on Friday, October 19.

"The Paul Pasqualoni bowl".

Enough said.

The energy in the building that night should take care of itself.

So, let's stop here for a second.

That is two Friday night games on the schedule in a two-week span, both at home, against league opponents.

Syracuse was 1-6 in Big East play last year.

Doesn't take much to see how important it is for Syracuse to use the Friday night lights to their advantage.

(On a side note, get used to the Friday night thing. Syracuse A.D. Daryl Gross has indicated that as part of the ACC television deal Syracuse is going to enter into when they join the league in 2013, Friday night lights will be a regular thing)

OK, now here is where things really get fun. Check out the schedule for the rest of the season.

Four of your last five games on the road. With no bye week. With a trip to an SEC-level opponent in Missouri. Also a stretch where your one home game is against the team picked to win the Big East in Louisville.

Oh, by the way. Friendly reminder.

Syracuse lost their last five games last season.

They may be reminded of that a little by us media guys when they arrive here on the schedule.

Frank Ordonez/ The Post Standard 2011

It will certainly provide extra motivation for the Orange to prove last year was a fluke. But they also have to PROVE last year was a fluke and prove they can close.

If Syracuse is going to take a step forward from a disappointing 5-7 record a year ago and get back to a bowl game, winning at least four of five at home would give them a huge step forward towards that goal. Particularly with that meat grinder of a schedule at the end of the year and a non-conference schedule that ranks as one of the toughest in the country.

For those that think the fans factor into this list, I agree with you. That's why I selected the Carrier Dome as #11 on this list.

Winning at home is important for this team, but I'm just as curious as anyone to see how the fans react as we go along in 2012.

Will the fickle SU fan base be there to support this team and be a part of the process, especially in those two Friday Night games?